VETERAN director Vasantha Obeysekara's latest film Aganthukaya (Outcast) has reached the final stage of production.

This film focuses on the politicisation of our institutions and the impact caused to individuals amidst various challenges and pressures, Vasantha told the Stage & Screen.

He said the film's editing and dubbing have been completed and will be sent to India for final mixing and printing.

Vasantha says the film's theme has a contemporary importance. "It portrays the politicisation of all the institutions and tragedy of one person who try to live according to his own values and how he finds it difficult to live. It is the struggle of an individual," he added.

He said the film is based on a principal who is caught in the world of pressure due to the politicisation of institutions. "It focuses on the efforts made by him to live with his values and the obstacles faced by him."

As usual to all his other films, the script of this film is also by Vasantha himself. He stressed that the script, which he considered as the foundation of the film, is very crucial for making the film.

This is the 13th film produced by Vasantha with his previous being Asani Warsa screened this year.

He said the film was produced with the assistance of the National Film Corporation (NFC) which provided over 75 per cent of the cost.

"The film's budget was estimated at Rs 7.5 million while we will be able to complete it with Rs. six million. The NFC provided Rs five million while the director must find the balance."

Most of the shooting of the film was done in Kurunegala and owing to better weather conditions, Vasantha and his team had been able to complete the film even before the scheduled period.

"The film's shooting was originally scheduled for 30 days, but we were able to complete it in 18 days with just 20,000 feet of reel and as a result, we will be able to save Rs 1.5 million for the NFC."

The main roles of the film are played by Saumya Liyange, Chandani Seneviratne and Sanath Gunathilake. Vasantha commended the performance of the cast. "They performed very well."